When you have diabetes, you are more at risk for problems with your feet. You may experience pain, tingling, and burning in your feet and toes. All of which can be a sign of nerve damage and a larger problem. It's important to take steps to actively protect against problems before they turn into something larger like an ulcer. Here are 5 easy steps to help you protect your feet that you can do every day.

Wear Socks Everyday

When you have nerve damage in your feet, you may not be able to feel your feet or toes. This puts you at more of a risk of injuring yourself. You may get a small cut or wound on your foot or toe that you don't notice. When you continue to walk on that small injury it may become severe. Socks provide an additional layer of protection to your feet. When you have diabetes and neuropathy you should never walk barefoot. Wearing socks both with and without shoes can help you protect your feet from potential problems.

Visit the Doctor Regularly

You should go to the doctor regularly to make sure that you are reaching your health goals. Your doctor may order different tests, give you a diet and exercise plan, or even refer you to a specialist. It's important to stay on top of your health so that you can prevent and catch problems early. Some things you may want to discuss at your next doctor's appointment include:

• Your recent A1C and blood sugar levels
• If you experience pain, tingling or numbness in your feet
• Your current exercise and diet program
• Any health symptoms that you're experiencing

Manage Blood Sugar Levels

Diet, exercise, medication and other factors can all help you manage your blood sugar levels. It's important to talk with your doctor to set realistic goals so that you can manage and maintain your blood sugar levels. Your doctor will know what's best for you so that you set both measurable and realistic goals.

Check Your Feet Daily

Checking your feet should become a part of your daily routine. You'll want to check both feet and toes every day for any signs of injury or infection. Do you notice any redness? Is there a cut or wound? Are there any signs of infection?

Wear Proper Fitting Shoes

Whenever you're at home, exercising, or outside you must wear the right shoes. It's important to make sure that your shoes are the right size for your feet, and that they aren't rubbing or irritating your feet in any way.

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